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Childhood Vaccinations: Schedule, Safety and Why They Matter
Which vaccines protect children, how immunization schedules work, common side effects, safety facts and what to do if a dose is missed.
By Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
This article is awaiting review by a qualified medical professional.
Quick answer
Childhood vaccines protect against serious diseases such as measles, polio, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B and pneumococcal infection. Schedules vary by country, but the first doses are usually given from birth to a few months of age, with boosters through childhood. Vaccines are carefully tested, side effects are usually mild, and they do not cause autism.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children. The World Health Organization estimates that immunization saves between 3.5 and 5 million lives every year by preventing diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and measles.
Diseases that childhood vaccines prevent
| Vaccine | Protects against |
|---|---|
| DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) | Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough |
| Polio (IPV or OPV) | Polio, which can cause paralysis |
| MMR | Measles, mumps and rubella |
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B liver infection |
| Hib | Haemophilus influenzae type b, which can cause meningitis |
| Pneumococcal | Pneumonia, meningitis and blood infection |
| Rotavirus | Severe diarrhea and dehydration |
| Varicella | Chickenpox |
| HPV | Cancers caused by human papillomavirus |
| Meningococcal | Meningitis and sepsis |
Other vaccines, such as BCG for tuberculosis, seasonal flu and COVID-19, are given depending on the country and the child's risk.
When are children vaccinated?
Schedules differ between countries, so follow your national programme. In general:
- At birth to a few months: first doses, such as hepatitis B, and DTP, polio, Hib, pneumococcal and rotavirus starting at around 6 to 8 weeks
- From about 12 months: MMR, varicella and boosters
- Early school years: booster doses
- Early adolescence: HPV and other vaccines
Your doctor, clinic or child health record will show which vaccines are due.
Why timing matters
Babies are most vulnerable to serious infections in the first months of life, so vaccines are given early. On-time vaccination also builds "community protection," which helps protect babies and people who cannot be vaccinated.
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines are tested extensively for safety before approval and continue to be monitored afterwards.
- Common, mild reactions: soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, a low fever, fussiness, tiredness
- Rare: a severe allergic reaction, which happens in about one in a million doses and is treatable, and is why children are watched for a short time after vaccination
- Myths: vaccines do not cause autism, do not overload a child's immune system, and are safer than the diseases they prevent
Caring for your child after vaccination
- Give extra fluids and cuddles
- Use a cool damp cloth on a sore site
- If your child has a fever or is uncomfortable, you can give paracetamol (acetaminophen) at the dose on the label
- Seek medical advice if a fever is very high, lasts more than a couple of days, or if your child seems very unwell, has difficulty breathing or a seizure
Before vaccination
Tell the nurse or doctor if your child is unwell with a high fever, has had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine before, has a weakened immune system or is taking medicines that affect immunity.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your doctor if you are unsure which vaccines your child needs, if a dose was missed, if you are travelling abroad, or if you have any worries about vaccination.
Frequently asked questions
Do vaccines cause autism?
No. Many large studies involving millions of children have found no link between vaccines and autism.
What are the common side effects of childhood vaccines?
Usually a sore, red or swollen injection site, a mild fever, fussiness or tiredness for a day or two. Serious allergic reactions are very rare.
What if my child has missed a vaccine?
Do not worry, and do not restart the series. Talk to your doctor or nurse, who can arrange catch-up doses. It is never too late to catch up.
Is it safe to vaccinate a child who has a cold?
A mild illness such as a cold, without a high fever, is usually not a reason to delay. If your child has a high fever or is seriously unwell, ask your provider.
Sources
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a doctor or other qualified health professional. See our medical disclaimer.
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